Sounders U-23 sets friendlies at Bellingham, SeattleU

On February 7, the Sounders FC U-23 announced two pre-season exhibition matches. The first game will be played on Wednesday, April 24th against Bellingham United at Whatcom Community College (7pm). The second will be played on Wednesday, May 1st against Seattle University on the Redhawks campus (4:30pm*).

The Sounders first opponent, Bellingham United FC, placed third in their first season in the Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL). Bellingham United FC is head coached by Lance Calloway, who holds a USSF National “A” License.

Sounders FC U-23 GM and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky, said, “Lance put together a solid team last year and it was great to follow their progress. We are excited to head up to Whatcom to play a good game as we get ready for the Open Cup and Portland away.”Making it to the national semi-final in their inaugural year, the Sounders FC U-23 are looking to continue their success from last year and start the 2013 campaign with a couple of pre-season games.

“Pre-season games are great because you get an opportunity to evaluate players that are trying to make your roster and you can work on fitness as you prepare for the upcoming season,” Sawatzky said.

Last year, the U-23’s defeated Gonzaga University as a pre-season tune-up for the regular season.

Sawatzky continued by saying, “Playing local college programs is important for both programs, it allows the college coaches to get a solid spring game and player evaluation continues for both sides.”

Following the exhibition season, the PDL regular season for the Sounders FC U-23 starts on Thursday, May 16th against the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field. The first home game will be on Friday, May 24th against the Kitsap Pumas at Sunset Stadium in Sumner.

Tickets for the Sounders FC U-23 will be available online soon. For more information and updates on matches, schedules, news, roster changes, visit www.SoundersU23.com.